Helix cane stopper

ABSTRACT

A cane tip is provided for use with a cane or other walking assistive device. The cane tip includes a core for receiving a portion of the walking device. A plurality of helix shaped ribs extend from the core and form a pentagonal shaped perimeter. A softer material may be bonded to the ribs to provide a tread for gripping surfaces of the cane tip. The upper and lower members include a generally inner concave portion that is above the tread or bottom of the ribs. The concave portion and ribs provide cushioning while a user provides a down force to the cane tip during a standard use thereof. The cane tip also provides for self-supporting of the cane tip on generally level surfaces, as well as maintaining continual contact with the surface of the ground throughout the user&#39;s gait, unlike existing cane tips.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tip for canes or other walking aids. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a replaceable, cane-supporting tip for providing better support and grip during walking, while also supporting a cane when not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a variety of cane tips, stoppers, feet, and/or ferrules on the market today. Some are very basic in that they are made of solid black (or another color) rubber, have a small footprint, and offer very little stability. These basic cane tips are typically black and found on a majority of canes. Other cane tips on the market can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and weights. Some cane tips are designed to stand upright and unaided without the user holding onto the cane. These canes may be known as self-supporting or self-standing canes. Still other cane tips have been designed to pivot or move with the user's natural walking gait. A few of these cane tips can both stand on their own and pivot. In addition, most, but not all, of these cane tips are sold as separate pieces or accessories to be put on consumer's existing canes.

However, many of these existing cane tips have some substantial drawbacks. For example, many of the cane tips are made from a solid piece of rubber, which makes them inherently heavy and bulky. Because these cane tips are made from solid rubber, they also lack the required ability to properly flex with a user's gait. As a result, they are unable to keep their large surface area in contact with the floor, which decreases their stability and grip. Thus, there is a chance that the bottom of the tips may not be in good contact with a surface during use of the cane, which could cause the cane to slip or otherwise cause the user to lose their balance potentially resulting in serious injury

Another drawback of many existing cane tips is their inherent shape. For example, existing triangular shaped cane tips require the user to place the cane tip on their cane in a directional manner. One leg of this triangular shape is longer than the other two. If the user does not install this cane tip correctly, or the cane tip twists as they use it, the cane tip could unexpectedly jar or move resulting in a potentially serious injury. Other shaped tips such as the tripod shapes also have potentially dangerous flaws too. These tripod tips have three legs that extend downward from the center core where the cane is inserted. These tripod shapes tend to be unstable in certain situations due to the fact that only three touch points are in contact with the floor. When a user walks with these tripod shaped cane tips, the shape can force the movement of the cane tip and subsequently the cane to move erratically or unpredictably. In addition, the tripod shape also can be troublesome when the user encounters and unstable surface such as a crack or ledge. If for example, only one leg of the tripod is placed on an edge or a crack or step, the remaining two legs will be unsupported thus potentially causing the cane and the user to fall unexpectedly.

Some cane tips are not made of rubber, but rather metal and plastic. These types of cane tips, which utilize a metal ball joint or similar pivoting joint, tend to pivot too much, which results in decreased stability. If the metal ball joint allows the cane to rotate too much in any direction the user's arm along with the cane can potentially move wildly when standing still. This erratic movement could lead to a serious wrist or arm injury as well as a possible a fall. Conversely, some of the existing cane tips utilizing the metal ball joint do not move freely at all. In these situations, the user does not benefit fully from the pivoting joint allowing the cane tip to keep in contact with the floor throughout the user's gait. When the cane tip is not fully engaged with the floor's surface, there is a potential for a serious injury or fall. Typically, the types of cane tips that rely on a metal ball joints or similar joints are permanently attached to the cane and are not transferable to another cane.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved cane tip that allows a user to remove the tip for use with different walking aids. There is also a need in the art for a cane tip that provides for self-supporting of the cane or other walking aid, while also providing flexibility during use of the walking device to provide stability during use of the walking device to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to improve over deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a cane or other walking device tip that is able to keep the cane in an unaided upright position and maintain complete contact with the floor surface through the entirety of the user's gait.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a cane or walking device tip that is removable and usable with different canes and/or walking devices.

It is still a another object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a cane tip that includes a shape that allows the cane tip to flex and bend with the user in their normal walking stride.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a tip for a walking aid device that reduces the overall weight and materials needed create a self-standing walking aid device.

It is still a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to provide a walking device tip that provides cushioning for the walking device during use of the walking device.

It is yet a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the present invention to include a cane tip that can be customized or otherwise varied to accommodate various types and sizes of walking devices and/or users.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

Therefore, according to an exemplary aspect of the invention, a cane tip is provided. The cane tip includes a hollow core having an open end and a closed lower end and configured to receive a portion of a cane, and a plurality of helically disposed ribs extending generally downwardly and at least partially surrounding the core and ending at a lower perimeter connecting the ribs. The closed end of the core is positioned generally above the perimeter of the ribs. The perimeter of the ribs may form a generally pentagonal shape, or may include other shapes. Therefore, the number and exact configuration of the ribs may vary according to walking device and/or other factors.

A portion of the cane or other walking device is inserted into the core of the tip. As a user walks with the cane, pressure is exerted on the tip via the cane. The pressure is softened by the ribs rotating with the pressure. The shape of the ribs and bottom member also provides that the tip will flex to keep the bottom member in contact with the ground during the full gait of the user.

According to another aspect of the invention, a cane tip or other walking device tip is provided. The tip includes a first member comprising a hollow core for receiving a portion of a cane, with the core extending from an upper portion of the member to above a bottom perimeter, and a plurality of helically disposed ribs extending from the core to the bottom perimeter. The tip also includes a second member comprising a concave portion positioned at least partially within the plurality of ribs and a tread at the periphery of the concave portion and positioned adjacent the bottom perimeter of the first member.

The first and second members may comprise different materials. For example, the second member may comprise a generally softer material than the first member. The second member may also include grooves or other gripping features to aid in the gripping of the tip.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a removable and replaceable tip for use with a cane or other walking device for providing better support and stability is provided. The tip includes a hollow core having an open upper end and a closed lower end, a plurality of helically disposed ribs operatively attached to the hollow core and extending generally from the upper end of the core to a bottom perimeter that is attached to the ends of the plurality of ribs, and a bottom member operatively attached to the core and plurality of ribs and comprising a concave portion extending at least partially within the ribs and a tread extending about the periphery of the concave portion and adjacent the bottom perimeter of the ribs. The bottom portion of the core is positioned adjacent and upper portion of the concave portion of the bottom member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cane tip according to an embodiment of the invention connected to the shaft of a cane.

FIG. 2 is a top planar view of the cane tip.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cane tip.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view according to the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom planar view of the cane tip.

FIGS. 6A-6C are step views showing the cane tip and walking device during the gait of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a cane tip or stopper 10 that is configured to aid in keeping a cane in an unaided upright position, while also providing that the cane tip 10 maintains substantially complete contact with a floor surface throughout the entirety of a user's gait. As will be understood, the cane tip 10 can be used generally with any configuration of a cane shaft or other assistive walking device shaft, and can be either permanently attached thereto, or can be attached in a way such that the cane tip 10 can be easily removed from a cane and replaced on another cane. The features of the cane tip 10 will allow the cane to be set in a generally upright position when not in use. Furthermore, as will be understood, a configuration of the cane tip 10 will provide better or improved stability during use of the cane such that the complete or a substantial amount of the bottom of the cane tip 10 will maintain contact with a surface during use of the cane to provide better support for a user.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a cane tip 10 according to a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The cane tip 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main receptacle or core 12, which is configured to receive a portion of a cane shaft or other assistive walking device shaft. The core 12 includes an upper open end 14 and a lower closed end 16, as can be seen throughout the figures. Furthermore, as is shown in FIG. 4, a rigid member, such as a metal ring 42, may be molded into or otherwise positioned at the lower closed end 16 of the core 12 to provide better support and/or to reinforce the structural material of the cane tip 10 when a portion of the cane shaft is inserted therein. Also molded as part of an upper or first member 30 is a plurality of ribs 18 protruding generally outward from the upper portion 44 near the open end 14 of the core 12 and extending generally radially and downwardly in a helix-type configuration. The ribs 18 may be molded with the same material as the core 12 and can include apertures or hollow areas 26 between the ribs 18. According to an aspect of the invention, the ribbed helix portions 18 include an upper or top portion 20, and extend towards a bottom portion 22 with ends 24 and can be shaped into a generally pentagonal shaped perimeter 28. The perimeter 28 may connect the ends 24 of the ribs 18. In other embodiments, the perimeter may include breaks or otherwise be non-continuous around the cane stopper 10.

It is noted that, while the cane stopper 10 has been described as having a generally pentagonal shaped perimeter, it should be appreciated that the perimeter should not be limited to such a shape. For example, the perimeter is contemplated to form generally any shape, e.g., circular, oval, hexagonal, or basically any other polygon shape. The number of ribs, size of cane stopper, as well as other factors may determine the appropriate shape of the perimeter of the cane stopper, and all are to be considered as covered as part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cane tip 10. FIG. 2 shows the pentagonal shape of the perimeter 28 at the ends 24 of the plurality of ribs 18. In addition, while the figures of the present invention show five ribs 18, and thus five hollow portions or apertures 26, it should be appreciated that the number and exact configuration of the ribs and thus can cane tip 10 may vary according to additional factors. For example, factors such as the weight capacity, size of cane, and/or intended use of the cane tip 10 may affect the number of ribs 18, as well as the shape of the perimeter 28 and cane tip 10. The invention is not to be limited to the exact configuration shown in the figures. In addition, while the core 12 is shown to be generally circular shaped in the figures, it is to be appreciated that the core 12, including the open portion 14 and closed portion 16, may be additional shapes. For example, the shapes of the core 12 may be dictated by differing shapes of an assistive walking device to be used with the cane tip 10, such as oval or other shapes. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that sizing members (not shown) may be included within the core 12 to account for a smaller diameter shaft of a cane to be used with the cane tip 10. The sizing member can be inserted within the core 12 to reduce the diameter of the hollow core to receive the portion of the cane shaft, which will aid in friction fitting the shaft into the cane stopper 10.

In addition, the sizing members, which may also be known as inserts, may include various interior shapes and sizes. For example, the outer shape and diameter of the insert may be standard to fit within the core 12 of a cane tip 10. However, the interior shape and/or diameter of the insert may comprise generally any shape and/or size. This would allow the cane tips to become compatible with generally any size, shape, type, or other configuration of cane or assistive walking device quickly and easily. The insert would be selected based upon the device to be used with, which would allow the cane stopper 10 to be added to the device. This would eliminate the need to purchase an entirely new cane or other device to use with the cane stopper/tip of the present invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and side sectional views of the cane tip 10. As shown best in FIG. 4, on the underneath side of the upper member 30 of the cane tip 10, the ribbed helixes 18 form a concave portion 34 that is positioned higher than the surface to which the cane tip 10 is placed. Furthermore, the closed end 16 of the core 12 is positioned higher than the floor and includes a generally rounded bottom portion 17. This upper member 30 of the cane tip 10 comprises a somewhat hard or stiff material. For example, the upper member 30 of the cane tip 10 may comprise a molded polymer, such as plastic or rubber. The material of the upper member 30 can be selected such that it is able to support the cane shaft, including during a user's gate of the cane.

Shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a second or lower member 32, which may be bonded to the upper member 30 of the cane tip 10. The lower member 32 may comprise a generally softer material than the upper member 30. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the lower member 32 may cover the entirety or substantially all of the bottom of the cane tip 10. However, it should be appreciated that there may be hollow portions or other apertures within the lower member 32 in order to provide for support or flexibility of the lower member 32. The lower member 32 has substantially the same shape or perimeter of the upper member 30. For example, the lower member 32 may include a tread portion 38 that is configured to substantially match the lower perimeter 28 of the upper member 30 of the cane stopper 10. This tread portion 38 may include grooves 40 that aid in providing friction for better surface grip during use of the cane tip 10. However, it should be appreciated that the grooves 40 may not be required in all embodiments, in addition, additional configurations of grooves and/or tread may be included as part of the present invention. It is also contemplated that the grooves comprise a different material than the rest of the lower member 32 to provide support and/or friction with a surface, e.g. plastic or metal spikes or other protrusions could be added for use with wintry conditions.

Extending generally from the tread portion 38 of the lower member 32 is a concave portion 46 of the lower member 32. This inner concave shape generally follows the shape of the upper member 30 and is also positioned generally above the lower surface, i.e., the tread and/or perimeter of the cane stopper 10. The concave portion 46 may also include a generally rounded support 48 positioned at least partially below the core 12 of the upper member 30 to provide for better support when a downward force is applied on the cane shaft to the cane tip 10.

The lower member 32 provides a barrier to prevent dirt, debris, or other material from getting stuck within the ribs 18 or hollow portion 26 thereof. The softer material of the lower member 32 also provides for increased friction for better surface grip of the cane tip 10, which works with the tread that can be molded or otherwise provided into the bottom to assist in the gripping of the cane stopper on diverse surfaces.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the upper and lower members 30, 32 may comprise the same material and may comprise a generally unitary composition. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the one-piece composition may be molded or otherwise formed together. The one material configuration of the cane stopper 10 may comprise generally any hardness level. Thus, the one-piece construction may comprise the generally harder material of the upper member 30, or the softer material of the lower member 32. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower member 32 is separate from the upper member 30, and can be bonded thereto. For example, the lower member 32 may include protrusions extending generally upward from the portions of the lower member 32. These protrusions may be configured to fit within apertures of the upper member 30. Thus, an adhesive may be placed on the members and the protrusions inserted into the apertures such that the members become bonded to one another. Furthermore, the upper and lower members 30, 32 may be bonded to one another by welding, such as by high frequency or heat welding of the two components to one another.

The configuration of the upper and lower members 30, 32 of the cane tip 10 provides for substantially only the outer perimeter of the bottom of the cane tip 10, i.e., the tread 38 keeps contact with a surface while the cane tip 10 is in a resting state without any downward or lateral pressure applied. When a user begins walking and using the cane and cane tip 10, the cane tip 10 can flex, allowing the rounded support 48 to contact the floor, or otherwise become closer to the surface, or surface along with the tread 38. This flexing of the concave portions 34, 46 of the cane tip 10 will provide for better support and comfort during use of a cane having the cane tip 10. In addition, the shape and configuration of the ribs 18 will also provide for this flexibility by allowing the cane tip 10 to flex and decrease in height when downward pressure is applied to the cane tip 10 to provide for better support and comfort of a user thereof.

It should be appreciated that the cane tip or stopper 10 according to the present invention may be different sizes, weights, shapes, and/or materials. The overall shape of the hollow ribbed helix design can be configured to be used with the varying factors provided above to still provide for support and comfort for use with the cane tip 10 according to the present invention. The shape of the perimeter of the cane stopper 10 may also vary. The cane tip 10 can also fit a variety of shaft sizes, such as for use with a cane, crutch, or any other walking assistive device.

FIGS. 6A-6C show steps of a use of a cane shaft 50 inserted into a cane tip 10 according to the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a user beginning a gait with the cane shaft being generally left of vertical with regard to the surface 58. As a user begins their gait, a downward pressure, shown by the arrow 52, is provided on the cane tip 10. This downward pressure will cause the cane tip 10 to flex and reduce in height, providing some cushioning for the user. As the user continues their walk, the shaft 50 will move in the direction shown by the arrow 54 in the figures. Moving to FIGS. 6B, the user is generally midway through their gate, with the shaft generally perpendicular to the surface 58. At this position, increased downward force shown by the arrow 52 is provided on the cane tip 10. This downward force may cause the rounded support 48 to contact the ground along with the tread 38 of the lower member 32. This will aid in providing better stability for the user. FIG. 6C shows the user ending or coming closer to an end of their gait. At this position, the cane shaft 50 has moved right of vertical relative to the surface 58. At this position, the down pressure is reduced and the cane may actually be lifted somewhat, as shown by the arrow 56. The upward movement of the cane will reduce the pressure on the cane tip 10 such that the cane tip 10 will begin to resort back to its original configuration, with the rounded support 48 moving away from the surface 58. Therefore, the cushioning effect of the cane tip 10 will be fully felt by the user. It should be noted, that while the cane 50 and cane tip 10 shown in FIGS. 6A-6C are used on a generally horizontal surface 58, the benefits, including the stability and cushioning of the cane tip 10 can be fully appreciated on any angle of surface, as well as any type and hardness of surface. The cane tip 10 will also provide benefits when the surface is uneven.

It should be appreciated that the cane tip 10 utilizing a ribbed helix design provides numerous functional benefits, improvements, and other advantages, including benefits and advantages over prior canes. For example, the helix shape allows the cane tip 10 to flex and/or bend during a user's walking stride or gait. From the moment the user puts the cane tip 10 on the ground to the moment they pull it up to take another step, the outer perimeter or tread 38 maintains substantial contact with the ground surface. The cane tip 10 according to the present invention also reduces the overall weight and amount of the materials needed to create a self-standing cane. Unlike prior cane tips that are made of solid rubber, the cane tip 10 according to the present invention includes hollow areas 26 between the helix ribs 18. The hollow areas 26 reduce the overall weight and the amount of materials needed to create a self-standing cane tip, which makes the cane tip 10 less bulky and/or cumbersome.

A cushioning affect is also realized through the helix design of the ribs 18. Because the bottom of the cane tip 10 is concave, and the core 12 does not rest on the ground, the user of the cane tip 10 experiences a soft cushioning effect. When the user exerts a downward force on the cane tip 10 during a normal stride, the helix ribs 18 rotate slightly and the core 12 is pushed downwardly to contact or extend near the surface. The rotation of the helix ribs 18, coupled with the movement of the core 12, provide the cane tip 10 with the cushioning effect during a user's stride.

Furthermore, the cane tip 10 according to the present invention offers a user more peace of mind, safety, and comfort over prior cane tips. The cane tip 10 may be removable or replaceable such that the user can adapt their different walking assisted devices, e.g., canes, crutches, walkers, or the like, and replace them when it is worn. For example, it is contemplated that a walker include multiple cane tips 10 to provide for the stability and comfort of the cushioning effect on the four or more legs of a walker. The flexibility of the use of the cane tip 10 according to the present invention will provide easy replacement of a worn cane tip or tips. By using the cane tip 10 of the present invention, a user will not have to worry about a cane or other walking assisted device falling over, as the cane tip 10 will aid in keeping a cane upright on a substantially level surface without any assistance. The user will also feel more secure during the user of their cane or other walking assisted device adapted for use with the cane tip 10. The tip 10 maintains contact with most surfaces throughout a user's natural stride, which means that a user will not have to worry about the cane tip 10 slipping on various surfaces.

The present invention contemplates numerous variations in additions to those shown and described. For example, according to some embodiments, the cane tip 10 will include a lower member 32 that is not concave, and instead is generally a flat bottom cover portion connected to the ribs 18. The flat, lower member 32 will still prevent debris from interfering with the ribs 18, and the cane tip 10 will also still provide the same benefits. Because the bottom of the core will be positioned at least partially above the lower portion, it will be able to move as the ribs flex during use of the cane tip, to provide cushioning for the user. In addition, the lower member 32 may also include slots, slits, apertures, or other features that can provide additional support and cushioning with the use of the cane tip 10.

While the portions of the cane tip have been described as being separate materials, it is to be appreciated that the cane tip 10 of the present invention may comprise a single unitary component comprising a single material. Other variations, including number of ribs, sizes, weights, shapes, or materials may be included with the present invention. For example, the number of ribs may be increased or decreased depending on their use as sole tips for use with canes, or in use with more than one tip, such as with walkers or other walking assisted devices. Other variations obvious to those in the art may be considered to be included with the present invention, and the invention is not to be limited to the exemplary embodiment shown and described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cane tip, comprising: a hollow core having an open end and a closed lower end and configured to receive a portion of a cane; and a plurality of helically disposed ribs extending generally downwardly and at least partially surrounding the core and ending at a lower perimeter connecting the ribs; wherein the closed end of the core is positioned above the perimeter.
 2. The cane tip of claim 1 further comprising a bottom portion comprising a concave portion positioned at least partially within the plurality of ribs.
 3. The cane tip of claim 2 wherein the bottom portion further comprises a tread at the periphery of the concave portion and positioned adjacent the bottom perimeter of the ribs and extending around the perimeter of the ribs.
 4. The cane tip of claim 3 wherein the tread comprises one or more grooves configured to assist the cane tip with gripping diverse surfaces.
 5. The cane tip of claim 2 wherein the bottom portion comprises a different material than the hollow core and plurality of ribs.
 6. The cane tip of claim 2 wherein the concave portion of the bottom portion is positioned above the lower perimeter of the ribs.
 7. The cane tip of claim 1 further comprising a rigid member positioned at the closed lower end of the core.
 8. The cane tip of claim 7 wherein the rigid member comprises a metallic ring.
 9. The cane tip of claim 1 wherein the plurality of helical disposed ribs and lower perimeter form a generally pentagonal shape.
 10. A cane tip, comprising: a first member comprising a hollow core for receiving a portion of a cane, the core extending from an upper portion of the member to above a bottom perimeter, and a plurality of helically disposed ribs extending from the core to the bottom perimeter; and a second member comprising a concave portion positioned at least partially within the plurality of ribs and a tread at the periphery of the concave portion and positioned adjacent the bottom perimeter of the first member.
 11. The cane tip of claim 10 further comprising a rigid member operatively attached to the core of the first member to provide support thereto.
 12. The cane tip of claim 11 wherein the rigid member comprises a metallic ring.
 13. The cane tip of claim 10 wherein the first member and the second member comprise different materials.
 14. The cane tip of claim 10 wherein the tread comprises one or more grooves for providing better gripping to diverse surfaces.
 15. The cane tip of claim 10 wherein the hollow core comprises an upper open end and a closed lower end.
 16. The cane tip of claim 15 wherein the closed lower end of the hollow core is positioned at least partially above the concave portion of the second member.
 17. The cane tip of claim 10 wherein the bottom perimeter of the first member and the tread of the second member form a generally pentagonal shape.
 18. A removable and replaceable tip for use with a cane or other walking device for providing better support and stability, comprising: a hollow core having an open upper end and a closed lower end; a plurality of helically disposed ribs operatively attached to the hollow core and extending generally from the upper end of the core to a bottom perimeter that is attached to the ends of the plurality of ribs; and a bottom member operatively attached to the core and plurality of ribs and comprising a concave portion extending at least partially within the ribs and a tread extending about the periphery of the concave portion and adjacent the bottom perimeter of the ribs; wherein the bottom portion of the core is positioned adjacent an upper portion of the concave portion of the bottom member.
 19. The tip of claim 18 wherein the plurality of ribs and the bottom member comprise different materials.
 20. The tip of claim 18 further comprising a rigid member positioned at least partially within the core for providing support for the cane or other walking device relative to the hollow core. 